On the way south to Gold Beach, you'll pass through Salem, Eugene, and a bundle of small towns along the coast. You could also take a slight detour to a charming coastal city with a vibrant art scene.

The Hudson River's widest point is 3.4 miles at Haverstraw Bay in Rockland County, NY. A tidal estuary, the Hudson River is a mix of salt water and fresh water runoff. The river is named for ...